Who doesn't love a day full of hockey? Here's the rundown of all of tonight's action in the NHL.

It’s the happiest of hump days when there’s nine games on the docket in the NHL. As always, all times listed are Eastern.

7:00 pm

Boston @ Buffalo

It’s unknown as of yet if Ryan Miller will get the nod in goal for Buffalo, but the Sabres will get Jason Pominville back in the lineup. Meanwhile the Bruins roll into town on fire in goal with Tim Thomas leading the way with his 0.50 goals against average and three shutouts. The Bruins offense hasn’t been all that great, but do they need to be when no one can score against them? It could be a long night for the struggling Sabres.

Toronto @ Washington

The Leafs have remembered how to score after getting two goals in a loss to Ottawa last night, but having to go to Washington to deal with Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals may not be the thing that cures what ails them. Washington, meanwhile, is doing pretty well considering the relative offensive quiet coming from their big guns. Expect the Leafs to be without Dion Phaneuf after he left last night’s game with a cut on his leg that required stitches. Brett Lebda would likely take his spot in the lineup. Yikes.

NY Islanders @ Carolina

Two of the league’s more intriguing teams face off. Each of them have some issues scoring goals and occasionally keeping the puck out of the net, but they both play an intense brand of hockey with plenty of youth to show off. Josh Bailey, John Tavares, Jeff Skinner… What’s not to like? All right, that’s as much as I can do to try to hype up this unassuming game.

7:30 pm

Atlanta @ Florida

Two of the builders of the Chicago Blackhawks Cup-winning team last year have their new teams face off. Thrashers GM Rick Dudley and Panthers GM Dale Tallon have their new crews do battle and right now, Atlanta is looking more like the team further along. Of course, Atlanta traded for half of the Blackhawks team that won it all last year so that makes sense. Which Tomas Vokoun shows up for Florida is the question. He’s been either lights out or getting ripped up. He’ll have to look out for Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien as both players have been hot of late.

8:30 pm

New Jersey @ Chicago

Speaking of Chicago, the current Hawks get to deal with the smoldering corpse of what used to be the New Jersey Devils. The Devils begin their three month tour of playing without Zach Parise who’s out of action after getting his torn meniscus operated on. The game is the last one on the Devils road trip and they’d like to end it on a high note. Doing that against a stingy Chicago team doesn’t look good.

Pittsburgh @ Dallas

Zbynek Michalek may suit up for Pittsburgh, meanwhile Evgeni Malkin’s status remains questionable. Will Marc-Andre Fleury get a shot in goal or will Brent Johnson get the nod once again? Lots of questions for the Pens. Meanwhile, Kari Lehtonen and the Stars get a chance to prove themselves against a high-profile team. A curious eye will be turned towards the attendance with Sidney Crosby in town and the World Series over with.

9:30 pm

Detroit @ Calgary

Jimmy Howard figures to get the start for Detroit. If not, look for Joey McDonald to get a surprise start for Detroit with Chris Osgood ailing. The Flames, meanwhile, will try to not give up six or more goals the way they have their last couple of times out. These two teams seem to bring out the best and worst of each other when they meet. Lots of potential here for a crazy game.

10:00 pm

Nashville @ Phoenix

This would’ve figured to be Matthew Lombardi’s first game back in Phoenix after spurning the Coyotes to sign with Nashville. Instead, he’s out of the lineup and the Preds are looking to bounce back after dropping their last two games. Phoenix is looking to bounce back after a bad home loss to Tampa that saw the Coyotes get shutout. Expect goal scoring to be tough for both teams with a pair of the league’s most underrated goalies getting the nod in Pekka Rinne and Ilya Bryzgalov.

Tampa Bay @ Anaheim

The Lightning will do their part to stay off of Ducks coach Randy Carlyle’s bad side. Considering the Red Wings and Sharks are already there, perhaps it’s OK to get there since that means you’re winning and beating the Ducks around the ice. The Ducks, on the other hand, have to learn to both play better and stay out of the box. When Ryan Getzlaf’s line is taking all the heat for the Ducks failings, you know things are rough.